Need some last-minute ideas for an awesome Valentine's Day?
I've got you covered.
Here are a few fun food ideas for Chicago Valentine's Day 2018 -- hopefully a few that you haven't seen elsewhere.
I'm not a huge Valentine's Day person, so I don't like anything that's too structured or too over the top.
MY list has some fun pairings, happy hours, a few dinners, and a BUNCH of desserts.
Here is a list of places where I would personally choose to spend my Valentine's Day. I hope you like it!
Chicago Valentine's Day 2018
Pre-Dinner Picks: Awesome Pairings
1. The Purple Pig
The Purple Pig is throwing an awesome reception from 5:30-7pm on their heated patio, and they're showing off their best Valentine's Day pairings:
- Champagne & oysters
- Wine & chocolate
- Wine & cheese
And, it's only $20/person for alllll of that, with the wines selected and poured by their head sommelier!
No need for a reservation -- just show up at 5:30! You can choose to go to the reception only (and head to dinner elsewhere), or you can add your name to the list for dinner when you arrive at 5:30 and stay for reception + dinner.
Strongly recommended - this is my top pick overall.
2. Frontier
Frontier is offering an Oysters & Rosé Happy Hour from 4-7pm.
Their à la carte happy hour specials include:
- Oysters: $1 Raw Oysters, $2 Char-grilled Oysters, and $12 Bacon-wrapped Oysters (4/order)
- Rosé: $5 glasses of Rosé
After the happy hour, you're welcome to stay for dinner (their regular winter dinner menu, served from 5-10pm) -- if interested, please make reservations in advance by calling (773) 772-4322.
Dinner Picks
3. Baptiste & Bottle
Baptiste is offering a 5-course Valentine's Day menu that comes with a special bourbon + chocolate flight for Valentine's Day!
Menu: a delicious 5+ course menu including oysters, carpaccio, and ribeye (see the full menu here; vegetarian options available)
Bourbon + chocolate flight: 3 bourbons, 3 chocolates and a balloon filled with chocolate essence to be popped table-side
Make reservations via the Baptiste website. The dinner is $85/person, and the bourbon + chocolate flight is complimentary on February 14 only.
Enjoy!
4. Viaggio
Viaggio is an awesome, old school Italian spot in the West Loop. On Valentine's Day, they're offering some crazy delicious specials with optional champagne pours upon arrival.
Their tagline for the event is Champagne, Pasta, and Love. Name a better trio! 🙂
Menu highlights: It's not a prix fixe menu -- simply order from their Vday specials including truffle burrata, short rib ravioli, filet mignon, and more (see full Vday menu options here)
Optional: champagne pours & a rose upon arrival (additional $40)
Reservations required -- make them by filling out this form on Viaggio's website & selecting a time on the next page!
Dessert Picks
5. Bombo Bar
Bombo Bar always has epic, themed, delicious desserts -- so it should come as no surprise that they have something great for V-Day.
Stop by to try their Red Velvet Hotter Chocolate, which is only available through Feb 14!
6. Bodega
What's Valentine's Day without instagrammable red churros and lattes with hearts and themed messages on top?
Bodega has you covered on both facets.
I'd like to receive churros and roses, but if I have to pick... well, I think we all know the answer to that.
7. MAD Social
End your delicious Valentine's Day dinner at MAD Social with this OTT dessert: red velvet cream cheese swirl gelato, in a deep fried churro, topped with crushed candy hearts.
Omg.
For dinner reservations, call 312-243-2097!
Snacks & Gifts
8. Bows & Eros
Bows & Eros is a Valentine's Day pop-up patisserie at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
Stop by and purchase awesome Valentine's day treats to go! Visit their facebook page for their hours and offerings.
It's only open at limited times, so be sure to check that out before you go!
9. XO Marshmallow
You can pre-order treats from XO Marshmallow for Valentine's Day -- though you might want to get a move on if you're planning to order by the 14th. 🙂
They have heart-shaped marshmallow boxes, amongst other things. Order here!
10. Foodie Gift Guide
If none of these gift ideas are quite right for you, check out my foodie gift guide. A lot of the items are available on Amazon and should be able to arrive by the 14th if you order ASAP!
Click here: Foodie Valentine's Day Gifts
Chicago Valentine's Day 2018
I hope you found this guide helpful, and that it sparked some last-minute Valentine's Day ideas!
Have a great Feb 14! <3 Erin
